An inaugural Motivational Conference which will become an annual staple for the Southern Regional Health Authority (SRHA) has been described as a step in the right direction for healthcare workers.
The Conference which was staged under the theme, “Ain’t no Stopping us Now” was held on Tuesday, November 29 at the Mandeville Hotel in Manchester and targeted some 100 employees from the SRHA facilities in Manchester, Clarendon and St. Elizabeth. It was organized as one of the strategies to resolve issues that may hinder performance, personal growth and also to boost employee morale.
Director of Human Resources Management and Industrial Relations from the SRHA, Mrs. Nicolette Thomas-Edwards noted that the health and wellbeing of the staff of any organization is paramount to its success. She added that the SRHA is committed to providing avenues that will assist employees who face difficult situations.
She explained that some of these avenues include: “Re-launch of the Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential support to employees including direct access to Counsellors; mentoring within occupational groups; more efficient Human Resources departments; funding to assist employees with medical procedures which attract small fees and are offered only in the private sector; Staff Welfare Fund which provides loans to employees at reduced interest rates and physical trainers for after work sessions”.
Mrs. Thomas-Edwards pointed out that it is also the Authority’s intention to establish at least one Day Care facility in each parish within the southern region and added that the plans are ongoing.
The SRHA Regional Director, Mr. Michael Bent reiterated that the human resources are the most important asset in the organization noting that the SRHA firmly believes in keeping the staff motivated and focused so that they can perform at optimum levels.
For his part, Chairman of the SRHA Board, Mr. Wayne Chen said that though one Conference will not deal with all the challenges, it is certainly a good initiative in addressing the motivation and morale of staff members. He encouraged the workers to always be reminded that health care is a calling and to maintain a positive attitude.
The staff members received riveting life messages and information from Certified Management Consultant and President of Quality Management Consultancy Incorporation, Dr. Nsombi Jaja. She urged the workers to always pay attention to details while aspiring to make excellence in service a minimum standard.
Dr. Jaja who is also a motivational speaker encouraged the audience to always deliver quality service. “Learn to appreciate what you have before time makes you appreciate what you had” she urged.
